Ruining The Grounds Of Hell – Episode 2

  –-ɪs ɪᴛ ᴀ ʜᴀᴘᴘɪʏ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴀғᴛᴇʀ..-–

♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤

★𝐙𝐚𝐲𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐦★

Zayne sat on the edge of his bed, arms crossed, staring at the floor. Loci, Nia, and Natalie were gathered around, each trying to pry some answers out of him.

“Come on, Zayne. Just tell us what happened,” Natalie urged gently.

“I… I don’t want to talk about it,” he said, voice low and tight.

“Zayne—” Loci started, but he held up a hand.

“Fine,” he finally said, exhaling through his nose.

“I’m in love with Bluey. I only did what I could to… to get her. I just invited her to my room, and things got a little heated up. I didn’t know she’d do that to me.”

Natalie blinked, incredulous. “So… you’re trying to say that Bluey knocked you out unconscious and stripped you naked just because you asked her out?”

“Yes,” Zayne admitted, voice tense.

“How on earth did Bluey do all that alone?” Nia leaned forward, eyes wide.

“She’s pretending… that girl is strong. You don’t know what she’s capable of.” Zayne gave a bitter laugh.

“Don’t… change the topic,” Loci said firmly. “You can’t tell me you only asked her out and she did all that to you.”

Zayne went silent. He stared at the floor, trying to figure out how to explain something that almost didn’t make sense.

“Spill it. What did you do?” Natalie demanded.

Zayne’s shoulders finally slumped. “Fine. I… I tried to blackmail her into leaving Hades.”

All three froze.

“What?” Nia whispered.

Zayne swallowed hard and told them everything—how he broke into Hades’s suite, how he cornered Bluey, how he kissed her, how he threatened her.

“Oh Jesus…” Nia covered her mouth.

“What the actual hell?” Natalie stepped back, disgusted.

Loci’s reaction was instant, he grabbed Zayne by the collar and slammed him against the wall.

“Dude, are you crazy? Do you want Hades to kill you? Are you out of your damn mind?!”

“Babe, just leave him,” Nia said, tugging on Loci’s arm.

“Leave him? This punk sexually harassed Bluey!” Loci snapped and turned back to Zayne. “Don’t you have any respect for her?!”

“I love her, okay?! It’s not my fault!” Zayne yelled, shoving Loci’s hands off. “She’s pretty, she’s hot, she’s s+xy, who wouldn’t like her?!”

“Well, she doesn’t like you,” Natalie said sharply.

Before Zayne could speak, Natalie grabbed his shirt and shoved him back against the wall.

“When a girl says no, it means NO. Not yes. Not maybe. Not keep trying. It’s a fucking NO— you pervert.” Natalie snapped.

Zayne’s breathing turned ragged. “I don’t care! Whatever she has with Hades is going to fall apart anyway! I thought you all hated him… why are you defending him now?!”

“Because she’s happy,” Nia said firmly. “Bluey is the one dating him, not us. Yeah, they started messy, but she’s insanely happy now. And he treats her well.”

Loci scoffed. “Do you really think if Bluey walked in here crying saying she didn’t want to be with Hades anymore, that we’d just abandon her?”

Nia crossed her arms. “We’d stand by her. Even if it’s hard to face Hades. That’s what friends do.”

Natalie shot him a glare so cold. “I can’t believe you tried to blackmail and take advantage of her.”

“Aahhh!” Zayne yelled, covering his ears. “All of you…get out! Just get the fuck out of here!!”

“Say no more, we’re leaving,” Nia snapped, storming out first.

Loci glared one last time.

“I swear, I feel like beating you into the floor.” He followed after her.

Natalie lingered just long enough to give Zayne a look of pure disappointment before she left too.

The door slammed.

Silence.

Zayne slid down the wall to the floor, fists clenched, breathing uneven.

“I don’t care… I don’t care what they say,” He muttered, eyes burning with obsession.

“I will have her and not even Hades will stop me.”

—–

★𝐇𝐮𝐠𝐨’𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞★

Hugo grunted as he finished his set of pull-ups, counting aloud.

“98… 99… 100!” he slammed his hands on the bar and hopped down.

“Here, have some water,” Dawn said, holding out a bottle.

“Thanks,” Hugo said, taking a long drink.

“You’re impressive. I can barely do thirty,” she admitted, a little breathless.

“Weakling,” Hugo teased, tossing the bottle onto the bench.

“I’m not a weakling,” she pouted, crossing her arms.

“Sure you’re not,” he said, stepping closer with that infuriating smirk. “So… want to shower together?”

Dawn froze. “A what?”

“Don’t tell me you’re shy. It’s not like we haven’t done it countless times before,” he said, lowering his voice into a low, teasing drawl.

“I know, but… it’s been a while. We barely even kissed,” she admitted, glancing away.

Hugo chuckled, tilting her chin gently to meet his gaze.

“Oh? Are you pouting over it? I’m only trying to be a good boy here.”

“I don’t want you to,” she said softly. “As long as your feelings for me are genuine, that’s all that matters.”

“Really?” hie asked, raising an eyebrow. She nodded, heart racing.

Without another word, he leaned in and captured her lips. The kiss was rough, consuming, and exactly like Hugo—never gentle, always intense.

He gripped her hair, pressing her closer, deepening the kiss until her knees threatened to buckle.

With a swift, fluid motion, he scooped her up into his arms, holding her close. He broke the kiss just long enough to smirk down at her.

“You naughty girl,” he murmured, carrying her toward the stairs, pressing another searing kiss to her lips as they ascended.

—–

★𝐇𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞★

Hades stepped into his suite, the soft hum of the air conditioning the only sound. The space was quiet, almost eerily so.

“Bluey,” he called, his voice cutting through the silence.

He walked toward the indoor pool, stopping just short of the glass doors. His eyes immediately fell on her—Bluey, floating gracefully in the water.

Beside the pool, a table was perfectly arranged with fruits, snacks, and drinks.

Hands tucked into his pockets, Hades watched her move, the sunlight glinting off the water and catching the curves of her body.

He noticed immediately—there was nothing covering her chest.

“Bluey…” His voice softened, carrying both caution and awe.

Her head rose from the water, along with part of her upper body. Her hair clung to her wet skin, droplets sliding down her shoulders, catching the light.

“Hi, my love,” she said, her voice playful, and she winked at him, letting the teasing linger in the air.

Hades let out a low breath, a mixture of surprise and desire stirring inside him.

“Like what you see?” she teased, water dripping down her lips.

“F+k I do,” Hades breathed, already tugging his shirt over his head.

His shoes hit the floor next, then his trousers. He stepped into the pool, body cutting through the water as he swam toward her with slow, deliberate strokes.

When he reached her, his hands found her waist instantly, pulling her body close. She wrapped her arms around his neck, melting into him.

“Where were you?” Bluey pouted softly. “You didn’t sleep here last night. I was alone.”

“I went to see a friend. And I slept at a hotel. Didn’t feel like coming back yesterday,” Hades said casually.

Her brows lifted. “Which friend is that?”

“Someone. You’ll meet her soon.”

“Your friend is a she?” Her voice tightened.

“Yeah.”

Her expression shifted immediately. She loosened her arms and started to swim away, but he caught her by the waist, pulling her sharply back until her back hit his chest. His arms caged her in.

“Hey,” he murmured against her ear. “Are you jealous?”

“I’m not,” she lied without hesitation.

“You are,” he chuckled, low and warm. “I’m all yours, okay? No need to worry.”

“I know but…” She slowly turned around in his arms, her hands sliding back up to his shoulders. “I still don’t like this female friend of yours.”

He cupped her jaw gently and leaned in, his lips brushing hers.

Then he kissed her—slow, soft, and deep enough to steal every bit of air between them.

Slowly, he moved through the water, guiding her toward the edge of the pool. When they reached it, he lifted her effortlessly and sat her on the cold marble edge.

Her breath caught as he urged her back, her elbows supporting her body.

His hands slid down, gripping her thighs — firm, possessive. He lifted them and placed them on his shoulders, spreading her open for him.

The position gave him a perfect view of her, her panties still clinging to her heat, wet from the water and from him.

Hades pressed a kiss to her thigh first, then another, tracing the line of her skin inward, closer and closer.

Bluey’s head fell back, eyes shutting tightly as soft m0@ns slipped from her lips.

“F+k…” she m0@ned when he finally kissed her cunt through the thin fabric, the contact making her entire body jerk.

He kissed her cunt again, slower, deeper , his breath hot against the soaked cloth. Then he paused, eyes darkening as his mouth touched the center of her.

The next second, his teeth sank into the fabric.

Bluey gasped, a sharp inhale as he tugged and tore the thin material apart with a low growl, the ripped panties falling uselessly into the water behind him.

Her bare heat was now fully exposed to him, trembling, waiting.

And Hades looked up at her with that hungry, sinful smile.

“Much better.”

Hades didn’t rush.

He looked up at her first then slow and  deliberate, his hands spreading her thighs wider on his shoulders as if opening her for worship.

Then he dragged her closer by her hips until her folds were right at his mouth.

“Hades…” she breathed, already trembling.

“Shh,” he murmured against her skin. “I’ve barely touched you.”

And then he did.

His tongue slid over her, slow, deep, unhurried—tasting her like he’d been starved for days.

Bluey’s elbows buckled and she grabbed his wet hair with both hands, her head falling back as a helpless moan slipped out.

“F-F+k—Hades…”

He tightened his grip on her waist when she tried to pull back.

“Oh no,” he said against her, voice rough. “You’re not running anywhere.”

His mouth closed around her clit and her entire body jerked.

“Hades—wait—”

He didn’t. He sucked harder, then flattened his tongue and licked her again, slow enough to make her toes curl, deep enough to make her vision blur.

The water on his face mixed with her wetness, and he groaned…actually groaned like tasting her was the only thing he needed in the world.

Bluey’s thighs trembled around his shoulders as she tried to keep herself up on her elbows, her breathing uneven and desperate.

“God, you taste so good…” he mumbled, dragging his tongue lower, deeper, teasing her entrance with long, slow strokes.

“Missed this… missed you.”

“H-Hades… I can’t—”

“Yes you can,” he said, lips already returning to the sensitive spot that made her arch off the edge.

“I’m not stopping, Bluey. Not until you cum for me.”

He didn’t stop until she was trembling.

Hades dragged his tongue in one long, devastating stroke, then sealed his mouth over her swollen cli+, sucking with a slow, punishing rhythm that sent shockwaves through her entire body.

Bluey’s fingers clawed at the tiled edge, her head falling back as a broken m0@n tore out of her.

He slipped two fingers inside her, curling them just right, pushing her straight past the edge.

“C+m for me,” he growled against her, the v1br@tion ripping through her. “C+m hard.”

Her back arched off the edge, her thighs shaking on his shoulders.

The pleasure hit so deep and violent she cried out—actual tears slipping down her cheeks as the 0rg@sm crashed through her, ripping every ounce of strength from her body.

She collapsed onto her elbows, breathless, dazed, legs still quivering.

Before she could fully come down, Hades wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her off the edge, lifting her effortlessly and pressing her to his chest.

Her legs weakly circled his hips as she buried her face in his neck, still shaking.

“Easy,” he whispered, locking his arms around her protectively. “I’ve got you. I’ve got you.”

She let out a soft, broken sob against his skin as he held her there, chest to chest, his heartbeat thundering against hers. He kissed the side of her head, stroking her spine slowly.

“You okay, baby?” He murmured, voice rough with emotion and desire.

Bluey nodded against him, breath uneven, clinging to him like she never wanted to let go.

—–

★𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞★

Robert sat on the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees, staring at the tablet Iris had given him. The blue glow highlighted every line of dread settling into his face.

It was the conversation—Iris conversation with Hades from last night.

He didn’t sleep at the hotel like he’d claimed.

He was here.

He talked to Iris.

And this… this was what she found out.

Robert’s fingers trembled as he lowered the tablet onto the duvet.

“Our son… is the Joker?” he whispered, voice barely holding together.

Iris exhaled shakily and sat beside him.

“This is exactly what I was scared of.” She rubbed her palms over her thighs, trying to steady herself.

“I can’t believe this. Hades has to go through what I went through. You remember how damn difficult it was for me back at MIA, Robert. Being the Joker almost broke me.”

Robert clenched his jaw. “And she’s been activating the chip in his brain? Because he disobeyed her once?”

“Yes.” Iris nodded, guilt and anger twisting her expression.

“I already talked to him. He’s agreed to go along with what she wants. Just until their set graduates.” She swallowed hard. “Once they’re out… this will be over.”

A sudden knock sounded at the door.

Iris opened the door, expecting maybe another maid asking about laundry or breakfast.

Instead, the maid stood stiffly with two cream-colored envelopes balanced on a gold tray.

“Madam, private mail,” She said.

“Thanks.” Iris took them and shut the door with her hip.

She glanced down, tore the first one open—and froze. MIA’s emblem stared back at her, bold and unmistakable.

“For you.” She handed Robert his envelope without taking her eyes off hers.

They both opened the letters at the same time.

🍂 If you’re reading this letter, it means that as a legacy, your child is currently a student at MIA for the 2025 set. All legacies are required to attend a meeting with the dead  founder’s daughter, Madam Rue, “at D’Rue Villa tomorrow at 6pm. Don’t miss it and don’t be late.

Sign, Miss Dora. Principal, MIA 🍂

Iris lowered the letter slowly. “What’s this meeting about now?”

“Probably about the cards,” Robert muttered, rubbing a hand over his mouth. “It’s almost time for Hades’ set to graduate. And even though we don’t know what this is for, I have a very bad feeling about it.”

“Madam Rue, huh?” Iris scoffed, rolling her eyes. “So she’s actually the founder’s daughter. The old hag messing with my son.” She stood abruptly. “I need to warn her about Hades.”

“Iris?” Robert shot her a look.

“What?” She lifted her hands. “She hurt my son. It’s not like I’m going to start a fight.”

Then she smirked. “Just a motherly advice. Because it’s obvious she lacks home training.”

****

–𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐲’𝐬 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞–

Anthony came down the stairs, already dressed for work, cufflinks glinting as he adjusted his sleeves. “You are reading from www.mhiztaemy.com.ng ” Corazon was at the dining table, closing a file of documents she’d been reviewing since dawn.

“You’re meeting with the lawyer today?” Anthony asked, stopping beside her.

“Yeah,” Corazon sighed. “I need to, since the hearing is scheduled in a week. Better to finalize everything now before Gael tries anything fishy again.”

Before Anthony could respond, a maid approached quietly, holding a gold tray with two envelopes placed neatly on it—same style, same seal as the ones Iris and Robert received.

“Sir, ma’am… private mail,” the maid said, bowing her head.

Anthony took both envelopes, dismissed her with a nod, and set the tray aside.

He exchanged a look with Corazon—one of those silent, heavy ones that carried more worry than words ever could.

They opened the envelopes at the same time.

They finished reading the letter at the same time and released the same long, tired sigh.

“Trevor and Morgan will make it to top ten, right?” Corazon asked, rubbing her temple.

“Obviously,” Anthony replied without hesitation. “They’re both strong. It’s not a problem.”

Corazon leaned back in her chair. “So the founder has a daughter? I wonder if she was ever part of any previous set in MIA.”

Anthony shrugged. “Whatever the case, we just have to show up at the meeting place tomorrow. No point stressing over what we can’t predict.”

He checked his watch and clicked his tongue. “I’m already late. I’ll be leaving now.”

Corazon nodded, and Anthony bent to kiss her head before heading out the door.

****

–𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫’𝐬 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞–

Maureen stood by the living room doorway, adjusting the strap of her bag while watching Gael descend the stairs.

He looked effortlessly put together, in a sleek shirt, rolled cuffs, calm confidence radiating off him like warmth.

“You ready?” Gael asked, stopping in front of her.

“Yes,” Maureen replied, smoothing her hair behind her ear. “So… where are we going?”

Gael hummed thoughtfully, reaching forward to gently brush a strand of hair off her shoulder. His fingers lingered a bit too long, making her breath hitch.

“Hm, let’s see…” he murmured, eyes gliding over her face. “We’ll go shopping first. Then dinner after, somewhere quiet. How does that sound?”

She felt her cheeks warm.

“Sure,” she said, smiling softly.

“Good.” He took her hand slowly, like he was giving her time to pull away if she wanted to.

She didn’t.

They walked toward the front door together, hand in hand, Maureen’s heart a confused, anxious mess.

**

Ten minutes earlier, on the call with Raul..

Maureen quickly dialed Raul’s number, pacing in the corner of the room. He picked up on the first ring.

“She gave Gael a letter,” she whispered. “A private mail from MIA. Something about a meeting at a villa—D’Rue Villa.”

“What kind of meeting? Does it say anything?”

“No,” she sighed. “Nothing at all. But I swear I’ll find a way to spy on them. I’ll think of something.”

“I have to go now. I’m heading out,” she added, glancing at the stairs.

“Where are you going?” Raul asked.

“Apparently… out with Gael.”

“As in… a date?”

“Yeah. Probably.”

“God, Maureen. What are you— isn’t it awkward?”

“Not really,” she said. “He fired all the maids since it’s just him here now. Some cleaners come once a week. All I do is cook.”

“So what? You’re the lady of the house now?” Raul scoffed. “And that ex of yours?”

“Haven’t seen or heard from the punk in a while.”

“Maureen.”

Gael’s voice drifted from the stairs.

Her eyes widened.

She instantly ended the call and shoved the phone into her bag, heart racing.

And as Gael reached the last step, she straightened her dress, composed her face—

“Hi,” she said.

Gael gave her a look… then extended his hand to her again.

And that’s where she followed him out the door.

—–

★𝐌𝐈𝐀 – 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐫’𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞★

Morgan was hungry, so she made food for herself. It was past 4 p.m., and Trevor still hadn’t stepped out of his room since morning. Knowing him, he probably hadn’t eaten anything all day.

With a small sigh, she grabbed another plate and started making something for him too.

“Spice…” she murmured, searching the shelf.

The container she needed was high up—too high. She rose onto her toes, stretching her arm as far as it could go, fingertips barely grazing the bottom of the can.

She tried again.

Still nothing.

Then she heard it—low, amused, and entirely too close:

“Shortie.”

Morgan’s breath hitched. Before she could turn, she felt him behind her. Trevor stepped in slowly, his body brushing hers as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

His chest pressed lightly against her back, warm and firm, while his hips edged closer until she could feel every inch of him.

His hand lifted beside her head, muscles shifting as he easily reached the can she’d been struggling with.

He took it effortlessly.

She swallowed.

He leaned just a little closer, his breath ghosting against her neck as he murmured, “Got it.”

Morgan turned quickly—too quickly—and ended up facing his bare chest. He wasn’t wearing a shirt. Just loose sweatpants hanging low on his hips, his skin still warm from sleep.

She looked up instantly, but not before her eyes caught the lines of his abdomen and the slow rise and fall of his breathing.

She snatched the spice from his hand, cheeks warm.

“Thank you. And I’m not short,” she said, trying not to sound breathless. “You’re just… taller than me.”

She turned back to the counter, pretending to focus on the food, though her fingers trembled slightly.

Trevor didn’t move away.

He stayed there, close enough that she felt his eyes on her.

“You’re cooking for me too?” Trevor asked from behind her.

“Yes,” Morgan replied, trying to sound casual even though her heartbeat was loud in her ears.

She had just finished adding the last ingredients, and the food only needed to simmer. She exhaled, wiping her hands on a towel—

Then her feet left the floor.

A small gasp escaped her as Trevor effortlessly lifted her and placed her on the counter.

Before she could speak, he stepped forward, slotting himself between her legs like he belonged there.

His hands settled firmly on her thighs, warm and large, grounding her… or trapping her. She couldn’t even tell the difference anymore.

“Trevor…” She whispered.

“I want you,” He said, his voice low, not rushed or hesitant—just true. His hands slid up to her waist, fingers tightening. “I want you so damn much.”

“But…” she tried, though even she heard the weakness in her own protest.

“Shh,” he murmured, leaning in so close his lips brushed hers with every breath. “For one second… can’t we just forget about it? Forget everything?”

“I want to… I do…” Morgan breathed, “but it’s only going to get awkward.”

He didn’t argue. Instead, Trevor pressed his face into the curve of her neck, inhaling her softly.

Her eyes fluttered shut at the sensation—his breath on her skin, his hands gripping her thighs, the weight of his body pinning her gently in place.

Then—her eyes snapped open.

His hands slipped under her shirt.

“Trevor—f+k,” she moaned when his fingers found her br+asts, grabbing them firmly, hungrily, as though he’d been starving for the feel of her.

He lifted his head, jaw tight, eyes burning.

“I can’t keep living like this,” he said, squeezing her again, pulling her closer. “F+k whatever affair our parents had. F+k being related by blood. I don’t care, Morgan. I don’t f+king care.”

His forehead pressed against hers, breaths tangled, heat rising so fast she could barely think.

And every part of her ached with the truth she didn’t want to say:

She didn’t care either.

Trevor didn’t give her time to think.

His mouth found her chest, kissing through her shirt, then under it as he pushed the fabric up impatiently.

Morgan gasped, hands flying to his shoulders when his lips wrapped around her n+ple, sucking hard, desperate, like he’d been holding back for months.

“Trevor…” she whimpered, head falling back, thighs tightening around his waist.

He groaned in response, sucking deeper, his hands gripping her hips to keep her still as he devoured her, switching sides, leaving her trembling.

Heat curled low in her stomach, her fingers threading into his hair as she held him there, her breath shaking—

Then suddenly he stopped.

Her eyes snapped open, dazed.

“Why… why did you stop?”

Trevor lifted his head, breathing uneven.

“Your food,” he said roughly, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “It’s about to burn.”

“Oh—oh crap!” Morgan scrambled down from the counter, nearly stumbling.

She rushed to the pot, turning off the cooker quickly. The smell was still fine. Good. Everything was fine.

She smiled.

A soft, shaky smile.

And tears immediately followed.

Trevor’s expression changed in an instant.

“Hey…” he whispered, stepping behind her, arms sliding around her waist as he pulled her back against his chest. “Shh… hey… what’s wrong?”

Morgan pressed both hands over her face, but the tears still fell.

“It’s stupid,” she whispered, voice cracking. “It’s so stupid, Trevor.”

“Nothing you say is stupid,” he murmured, kissing her temple from behind.

She inhaled sharply, the truth fighting its way out of her.

“It hurts,” she said finally, voice breaking. “I’m completely in love with you. And it eats me up every single day because I fall more in love with you no matter how much I try to stop.”

Trevor froze.

She shook her head, wiping her cheeks even as new tears fell.

“I wake up in love with you. I go to bed in love with you. I try to distance myself, but it gets worse. Everything I do… everything I feel… it just keeps getting deeper.”

“Morgan,” he whispered, his arms tightening around her. She could feel the tremble in his breathing.

“I know we can’t be together,” she choked out. “But I don’t know how to stop loving you.”

Trevor held her tighter, resting his chin on her shoulder, voice low but steady.

“Morgan… I feel the same. Every damn day. I can’t stop it either. We’ll figure this out—together, somehow.”

He pressed a soft kiss to her temple.

She leaned back into him, letting the warmth of his embrace ease her shaking, if only for a moment.

—–

★𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐨’𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 – 6𝐏𝐌 ★

Sergio was sprawled on the couch in his living room, laptop open on his lap, when Bluey walked in.

“What is it? Did you find any lead?” she asked, crossing her arms.

“Nothing concrete,” Sergio admitted, closing the laptop. “But I think we’ll need to scout Dora’s office tonight.”

Bluey raised an eyebrow. “Did you find anything in her office already?”

“Not exactly,” he said, leaning back. “But I read a weird message on her iPad. And her office… it looks suspicious. Like there’s a secret room or something hidden in there. I’m sure of it.”

Bluey’s eyes narrowed. “Did you tell Raul yet?”

“No,” Sergio replied firmly. “We’ll confirm it ourselves first. Can’t risk jumping into conclusions.”

Bluey nodded, a determined glint in her eyes. “Alright. Tonight, then.”

Sergio smirked. “Tonight.”

“How are you and your boyfriend doing? You’re not being reckless around him, right?” Sergio asked, taking his shirt as he stood near the door.

“No,” Bluey replied quickly. “I mean, I do my very best to keep this away from him. He won’t suspect a thing.”

“You really love him, huh?” Sergio said, watching her closely.

“Of course I do. I… love him so much, and I feel really bad for lying to him, but I know it’s necessary.” Bluey’s voice wavered slightly, but her expression stayed firm.

“Okay, I’ll…” Sergio started, but a sudden announcement cut him off.

🔊 Attention all students, everyone should assemble at the assembly grounds immediately.

“Assembly grounds? Do you know anything about this?” Bluey asked, frowning.

“No. Let’s find… out,” Sergio said, closing the door behind them.

Meanwhile, down the hall

Hyce was walking toward Sergio’s suite but froze mid-step when he saw Bluey and Sergio stepping out together. Sergio was already pulling on his shirt.

Something inside Hyce twisted.

Bluey? With Sergio? Since when did they get close enough that she has to go to his suite? What were they doing?

He turned silently and walked away, the weight in his chest growing heavier with each step.

“I’ll text you when to meet me tonight,” Sergio said, giving her a small smirk.

Bluey nodded, slipping her phone into her pocket, her mind already shifting to what the assembly might hold.

—–

★𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬★

The students all arrived at the assembly grounds, murmurs spreading through the crowd like wildfire.

Even the Aces looked unusually alert, exchanging quiet glances. No one knew exactly why they had been summoned.

A voice boomed through the loudspeaker.

🔊“Good evening, students. You’ve been called out for a short assessment. Nothing to worry about—it’s just a routine check.”

🔊“You will walk into the building in groups of ten. Each group will enter the main rooms for their assessment. Please follow instructions carefully.”

“What’s that for? Some kind of test?” Bluey’s brow furrowed as she glanced at the building.

“I don’t think so. It’s not training hours or lesson hours. I’m pretty sure it’s something else.”Natalie shook her head, her curiosity piqued.

“Let’s go find out then,” Loci said, stepping forward.

The students began to line up, shuffling into organized groups. Bluey, Natalie, and Loci moved together, weaving through the crowd as they trooped toward the building’s entrance. Zayne, he was far away from them.

From behind, a familiar voice called out. “Hyce…”

Sergio’s eyes followed Hyce, who kept walking straight ahead, ignoring him entirely.

Sergio’s lips pressed into a thin line, confusion clear on his face.

“Huh? What’s up with him? What did I do?” He mumbled under his breath, watching as the line of students disappeared into the building.

The air felt charged, a strange mix of excitement and unease settling over everyone as they stepped inside, ready to face whatever the “assessment” was.

—

In barely thirty minutes, the students were all done and now stood outside the building again, rubbing sore arms and legs from the mysterious “assessment.”

Nia shook her head, shivering slightly. “What was that? For a while there, I thought the machine was going to electrocute me.”

“Anyone have any idea what that was about?”Loci frowned, glancing at the others.

Natalie nodded slowly, eyes scanning the anxious faces around her. “Seems like other students are worried too. That’s… strange.”

Bluey’s brow furrowed, her mind racing. What could it possibly be? Raul didn’t really stay long at MIA, so he probably couldn’t know anything about this assessment.

She scanned the crowd and caught sight of Sergio standing a little apart on the other side. His expression mirrored hers—confusion and unease.

Before anyone could say more, Miss Dora’s voice rang out through the loudspeaker.

🔊 “Attention, students. What we have just done is access your combat powers. This will be used to grade you from now on. Additionally, out of 109 students, only the top 15 will be needed in the academy. The rest will be eliminated.”

Murmurs erupted immediately.

💬 “Are they serious?”

💬 “Eliminated? You mean… expelled?”

💬 “Combat powers? Is this some kind of ranking?”

💬 “I… I don’t even know where I stand.”

🔊 “The top 15 students will continue their trainings as legacy students in MIA. All others will no longer be part of the academy.”

Bluey froze, heart racing, thoughts a whirlwind. Are these people insane? They’re talking about killing off 109 minus 15… that’s 94 students!

Her mind churned through possibilities. What sort of dirty schemes are they plotting again? What’s the point of this ‘combat ranking’?

Around her, the students whispered and panicked, trying to process the announcement, fear and uncertainty etched into every face.

Even Sergio’s usually composed posture faltered, and for once, Bluey wasn’t the only one feeling completely unsettled.

The virtual screen flickered, humming like it was struggling to hold the numbers in place.

☆𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 –𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐬 ☆

1. Hades Laurel – 99.8%

2. Bluey Cruise – 99.2%

3. Hyce Kline – 89%

4. Trevor del Mundo – 81%

5. Sergio Velmont – 80%

6. Hugo Vance – 77%

7. Morgan Sinclair – 71%

8. Dawn Reever – 61%

9. Gomez Hale – 59%

10. Loci Kross – 50%

11. Natalie Quinn – 45%

12. Nia Sterling – 44%

13. Zayne Holt – 40%

14. Natasha Quinn – 26%

15. Aris Lane – 22%

Morgan stiffened. So that’s what Dad meant… my Sigils won’t matter soon enough?

But then—

Everyone’s eyes snapped back to the glowing screen.

Bluey Cruise – 99.2%. Rank 2.

Instant chaos.

💬 How is she that strong??

💬 No, wait—that’s a glitch, right?

💬 Number fucking TWO?!

Bluey’s heart hammered. So that machine earlier… it was reading combat power? Combat potential?

Across the crowd,

“Shit. We didn’t think of this.”Sergio cursed under his breath.

Hyce looked at Sergio and confirmed his suspicion.

S

Even her friends looked like they’d just seen a ghost. But Bluey only saw one person—Hades.

He was shocked.

He was confused.

But he didn’t look annoyed though.

He was staring straight at her with an expression she couldn’t decode. Dark. Calculating. Like he was fitting puzzle pieces together that he wasn’t supposed to have yet.

And then, slowly, deliberately… He smiled.

Her stomach dropped. That smile meant something dangerous. She needs to think of an explanation fast. She can’t blow her cover.

Hades moved his lips, silent and precise.

“Meet me inside. Now.”

Then he turned and walked out.

Bluey froze for half a second.

What does that mean? Is he suspicious? Is he testing me?

If she had known this system existed, she would’ve found a way around it. Now it was too late.

“Shit… I f+ked up,” She whispered.

Her pulse spiked, and she sprinted after Hades.

.

»𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝 ✰

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